The destruction of Timbuktu (part 2)

Destroying the great shrines of Timbuktu is Ansar Dine’s way of telling the local population that they are eradicating the old order and starting fresh. François Picard’s panellists warn, however, of a backlash against Ansar Dine and those who supply them across the border in Algeria, but not before a long process.

Fatoumata Sire DIAKITÉ. President, Association for the Progress and Defense of Women. Former Malian Ambassador to Germany (by telephone from Bamako);

Jeremy KEENAN. Professorial research associate, School of Oriental and African Studies (from London);

This Franco-American was RFI’s West Africa bureau chief in Abidjan from 1995 to 1998. He plays it straight on all issues, excepting his beloved Bleus in rugby and ice hockey’s New York Rangers!

ANNETTE YOUNGPresenter

Originally from Australia, she is a senior journalist and presenter who has reported from Europe, Asia and the Middle East. When not fronting the network’s new show on women’s issues, she is a news anchor and an international affairs commentator.

CYRIL VANIERJournalist

A bilingual law graduate, he joined France 24 in 2006. After several years reporting on major international stories, he now presents the news and The Debate on both the French and English channels.